Napheesa Collier Claims WNBA Has “Worst Leadership In The World”

Napheesa Collier has criticized the WNBA as having “the worst leadership in the world.”

Speaking during her end-of-season exit interview Tuesday (Sept. 30), the Minnesota Lynx forward revealed frustrations with the league office and directly called out league Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

“Our leadership’s answer to being held accountable is to suppress everyone’s voices by handing out fines,” exclaimed the athlete, per ESPN. “I’m not concerned about a fine, I’m concerned about the future of our sport. At some point, everyone deserves to hear the truth from someone who I hope has earned the benefit of the doubt to fight for what is right and fair for our athletes and our fans.”

She continued, “We have the best players in the world. We have the best fans in the world, but right now we have the worst leadership in the world. If I didn’t know exactly what the job entailed, maybe I wouldn’t feel this way, but unfortunately for them, I do. We serve a league that has shown they think championship coaches and Hall of Fame players are dispensable and that’s fine. It’s professional sports, but I will not stand quietly by and allow different standards to be applied at the league level.”

Collier continued her effort by making alleged private conversations public. She explained how Engelbert allegedly disregarded concerns related to the next generation of WNBA stars.

“This past February, I sat across from [Engelbert] and asked how she planned to address the officiating issues in our league,” Collier detailed. “Her response was, ‘Well, only the losers complain about the refs.’ I also asked how she planned to fix the fact that players like [Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers], who are clearly driving massive revenue for the league, and are making so little for their first four years.”

She continued, “Her response was, ‘[Clark] should be grateful. She makes $16 million off the court because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.’ And in that same conversation, she told me, ‘Players should be on their knees, thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them.’”

Engelbert shared the following statement regarding Collier’s remarks:

“I have the utmost respect for Napheesa Collier and for all the players in the WNBA. Together we have all worked tirelessly to transform this league. My focus remains on ensuring a bright future for the players and the WNBA, including collaborating on how we continue to elevate the game.  I am disheartened by how Napheesa characterized our conversations and league leadership, but even when our perspectives differ, my commitment to the players and to this work will not waver.”

As reported by ESPN, Collier’s remarks are supported by her peers.

“I think I agree with everything [Collier] said,” relayed Lexie Hull, the Fever’s alternate player rep for the WNBPA. “We’re at a really important time in the league and changes need to be made, and so you’re seeing her talk about that, and really proud of her for making that statement today.”

“I’m grateful to have those type of people to be able to continue to speak up for us,” remarked A’ja Wilson on Tuesday (Sept. 30). “I’m going to ride with Phee always. Obviously, she’s a business girlie and she has her own stuff going on, but moving forward, we’ve gotta continue to stand on business as we talk about this CBA negotiation.”

Social media also buzzed among players, with Paige Bueckers declaring, “Queen Phee,” on Instagram, and Angel Reese exclaiming, “10/10. No notes! shortly after the statement.” WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) president Nneka Ogwumike asserted, “!!!! time is ticking and Phee speaks for me.” Dearica Hamby thanked Collier for her “bravery.”

Collier is the vice president of the WNBPA and the co-founder of Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 women’s basketball league, where many league players participate in the off-season.